Images: Old Testament Beauties

So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. (Sarah)

Genesis 12:14 (NKJV)

Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold... And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. (Rebekah)

Genesis 24:16 (NKJV)

Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.

Genesis 29:17 (NKJV)

Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

Genesis 39:6 (NKJV)

He had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 9:2 (NKJV)

I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him. (David)

1 Samuel 16:18 (NKJV)

From the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. (Bathsheba)

2 Samuel 11:2 (NKJV)

The young woman was lovely and beautiful. (Esther)

Esther 2:7 (NKJV)

In the Old Testament, some of God’s stars were described as beautiful or handsome, like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Joseph, Moses, Saul, David, Bathsheba, and Esther.*

In the New Testament, stars aren’t described. Not even Jesus.* Why? What does it mean?

  • Was God focused on more important things?

  • Was the human heart His utmost concern?

  • Was refocusing our minds #2?

NOTE: Jesus IS described in the Old Testament, but not like most artists imagined Him. He was remarkably UNattractive. (More on this in a coming devotion.)

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

What does your image mean to your mission? Consider 3 things:

  1. Jesus called you to be fishers of men. Most fishermen use a lure and a hook. If the Hook is Christ catching hungry hearts, then the lure is your talented image… on stages and screens attracting lost fans.

  2. When we see God’s amazing creations, the unique and endless variety, we’re awed by incredible images. He made your face and body for a reason. To deny the value of your image is to insult your Creator’s Design.

  3. Image is important to your success in film, fashion, music, and theatre. Without compromising your example, you must heed, and exceed (in the right way), the industry’s style qualifications… to get on the field.

Images: Old Testament Beauties (Part 2)

* The appearance of The Messiah is mentioned in the Old Testament, but it is not the way most painters and filmmakers have portrayed Him: 'He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him' (Isaiah 53:2).

Carey Arban